Guest Book

I'm reminded of the scene in "The Godfather" when Tessio is talking to Michael about the mob war that will result from his killing the police chief and the rival organized crime guy. "How bad do you think it is going to be?" Michael asks. "Pretty Godd*mn bad," Tessio says. "All the other families will probably come out against us. Ah, that's okay. You've got to have one of these every few years, helps to clear out the bad blood." I guess we talk about this situation sometimes because we have to. It is very important to us. All I've asked for is a little civility and respect. Treat each other with kindness, do unto others, that sort of thing. Dickey Betts is an Allman Brother in my eyes, always has been, always will be. He is a part of the experience, and as such, I don't like to see hurtful things being said about him publicly. I get defensive, just as I do when something negative is said about any other member of the band. I want to speak out, so I do. Got this here fine website for just that purpose. It is a free country, Butch can say what he wants, I still think he is a kick a** drummer and would love to shake his hand someday. But I wish he wouldn't criticize Dickey, or at the very least, I wish he would say some good stuff (and there is plenty) to go along with the other. Keep it semi-positive. I don't think that is asking too much. If Butch can speak his mind, so can I. Yeah, I've seen Dickey take over shows and be in my face. More than I would have liked at times, sure. But I've also seen him stand back in the shadows and play phenomenally dynamic rhythm guitar while some of rock's greatest pickers have done their thing, that cowboy hat obscuring his face, just strummin' away and keeping the locomotive rolling. Like I said, he is a part of the experience. Marley is absolutely right that it is easy enough to question Butch's comments when I haven't faced the same challenges that he has (i.e., working with Dickey Betts, I assume). Fair enough. But it is easy enough also to have a "let the man speak his mind" attitude when you aren't the object of his slings and arrows. Whether or not anyone here agrees with Butch's comments, or even some of them, who would really like to have those kinds of things said about them in public? Repeatedly! Especially as it is critically judgemental of something you've worked so hard for, for so many years. Your life's work. I know I wouldn't like it. That is why I get upset. Tom nailed it when he said you click on one of these "preview" links expecting to hear fun news about the shows, the new album...Hell, I'd like to hear about exciting new Flying Frogs Records artists, Butch's new grandchild, his golf game, whatever. But it hurts me to see stuff like in the Pittsburgh Gazette, and I think it hurts a lot of other people, too. I wonder why, WHY is he disrespectfing Dickey? AGAIN?!? It is frustrating. Oddly enough, the one person who I think couldn't give a hairy rat's behind about the words is Dickey. Wish I could be as strong as he is, but I'm not. It doesn't sit right with me, and probably never will. And that's...okay. I accept it, I don't have to like it, and I can damn sure register my displeasure if I think the comments are somewhat unfair and unnecessarily mean spirited. EAPFP. Waitin' to hear about Phillllyyy Boooobbbbbb's big Merriweather adventure tomorrow. REALLY lookin' forward to seeing so many great folks in September for Dickey in Indy and then the Brothers down South later on in the month. Thinkin' the pre-show meet and greet in Birmingham is going to one for the ages. Good friends and great music--absolutely nothing could be finer. :twirl: